JL Racing Competes at War Bonnet 3 Hour Endurance Race

JL Racing competed in the British Empire Motor Club’s 3 Hour War Bonnet Endurance Race at Mosport International Raceway on September 19th. As former winners of the event hopes were high for the team and the Hype Energy Saab 93 to place well in the grueling event that has become one of the most popular events on the road racing calendar.

With a driver line up of Damon Sharpe, John Lockhart and IMSA driver Kyle Marcelli, the team took to the track on Saturday with many changes made to the Hype Energy Saab 93 from the set up they utilize for the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship. “Damon set the car up for a long endurance run, we installed a front splitter, and then tuned the engine for a little less power and more reliability”, said Lockhart. Overall the drivers felt comfortable with the changes.

Sharpe was able to qualify the Hype Saab in to the 9th position out of 42 cars despite very heavy traffic. “I couldn’t get a real clear run with all the traffic and could only get one decent flyer out there. I know there was more but, hey, 9th is not so bad and we are looking good for the race”, said Sharpe.

The race started under beautiful conditions and the fans were treated to 3 hours of wonderful weather to enjoy the race. Sharpe was able to jump ahead to 7th overall at the start and looked to lock into a consistent hour long shift. By the 45 minute mark Sharpe had the Hype Energy Saab in 1st place in class and was getting ready to bring the car in for its first pit stop and driver change to Lockhart.

Unfortunately while exiting corner 5b, with no warning, the engine suffered terminal damage and Sharpe coasted to a stop at pit entrance. The day was done for JL Racing. “We ran this engine for 3 years with out touching it and this year we get it refreshed and we have had to endure various issues, now this. I guess leave well alone is the message!” said a frustrated Lockhart.

Kyle Marcelli was looking forward to getting an opportunity to drive the Hype Energy Saab before he left to participate in this weekend’s Petit LeMans at Road Atlanta for Intersport Racing. “The car felt great in practice and I wanted to help JL Racing get back to the winners circle where they belong. It’s too bad but that’s racing”, said Marcelli. Sharpe and Lockhart will now focus on the 2010 race season for JL Racing.

“The year was challenging but we had some great sponsors who really made everything happen. Hype Energy, Flex Mor Industries, Hawk Performance, Genuine Saab, Alpinestars, and Webnetics are great sponsors and I thank them so much. We also appreciate partners The William Osler Health Centre Foundation, PeopleNet Canada, Trade Tracker, FTC Canada and Brown Window Corporation who helped so much during the season”, said Lockhart.

About JL Racing: JL Racing is one of Canada's premier sport sedan racing teams. In 2006, JL Racing formed a partnership with Saab Canada to race and showcase Canada's only Saab 93 race cars. The team has made headlines several times with a first race, first place finish and subsequent podium finishes in the Saab 93.

JL Racing wishes to thank its sponsors and partners Hype Energy, Flex Mor Industries, Hawk Performance, Genuine Saab, Brown Window Corporation, Webnetics Inc, AlpineStars, Staubli Corporation, Saab Canada, The William Osler Health Centre Foundation, PeopleNet Canada, Trade Tracker, and FTC Canada.For more information: www.jlracing.net.